Zygoptera

Definition

A suborder of Odonata comprising damselflies, distinguished from dragonflies (Anisoptera) by forewings and hindwings of similar size and shape (hence the name, from Greek zygos 'yoke' + pteron 'wing'), slender bodies, and wings typically folded together above the abdomen when at rest. The group includes approximately 2,700 described species in four extant superfamilies: Calopterygoidea, Coenagrionoidea, Hemiphlebioidea, and Lestoidea.

Etymology

New Latin, from Ancient Greek ζυγός (zygós, 'yoke, pair') + πτερά (pterá, 'wings'), referring to the paired, similarly shaped fore- and hindwings.

Example

Adult Zygoptera such as the familiar pond damselflies (family Coenagrionidae) perch with wings folded parallel to the body, a posture never seen in the related dragonflies, which hold wings spread horizontally.

Synonyms

• damselflies (common name)

Related Terms

• Anisoptera
• Odonata
• damselfly
• dragonfly
• Calopterygoidea
• Coenagrionoidea

Usage Notes

Used as a plural proper noun in taxonomic contexts; individual species are not 'a zygopteran' in formal usage (though 'zygopteran' occasionally appears as an adjective). The contrast with Anisoptera ('unequal-winged') is diagnostic: Zygoptera have homonomous wings, separated eyes, and generally weaker flight. Some authors use Zygoptera in a restricted sense excluding the ancient family Hemiphlebiidae, placing that lineage in its own suborder.